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BLOGGER BIO: DR. SHAMIRA

Dr. Shamira
Dr. Shamira is the founder of Art of Wellness. With a special interest in women’s health, she inspires women to achieve optimum health - body, mind and spirit - through integrated, natural healthcare and by combining the disciplines of chiropractic, traditional acupuncture and clinical nutrition.

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April 25, 2012

Are you Being your True Self or Everyday Self?

I recently read a great article by Deepak Chopra on Oprah's website (both of whom I LOVE and recently saw at Oprah's Lifeclass in NYC!) It was about distinguishing our True Self vs. our Everyday Self.

Though I know there is definitely a difference, sometimes I wonder what that is EXACTLY. I've thought about this very thing - especially when I am noticing and am conscious of my actions/behaviour (which in and of itself is an accomplishment I believe!) I often wonder - who is here? Is it the 'beyond time and space, deeper self' or is it the 'egoic, reactive' self?

And more deeply, who am I really? How do I know when I am my 'true' self vs. just me (or my mental construct of who I am)? Are they not one and the same? Lots of questions... often no clear answer.

But after reading Deepak's article, I definitely have more clarity on the topic and I wanted to share these insights with you. Here are the primary differentiating points: (this was my 'AHA'!)

1. The true self is certain and clear about things. The everyday self gets influenced by countless outside influences, leading to confusion.

2. The true self is stable. The everyday self shifts constantly.

3. The true self is driven by a deep sense of truth. The everyday self is driven by the ego, the unending demands of "I, me, mine."

4. The true self is at peace. The everyday self is easily agitated and disturbed.

5. The true self is love. The everyday self, lacking love, seeks it from outside sources.

For me, I sometimes get lost in all the details - I can't make decisions clearly or shift my opinions/feelings about things. Now I know, that's when I'm operating from the Everyday Self.

Same goes for when I hear myself saying or thinking 'I, me, mine' - its the Ego/Everyday Me.

And isn't it true that sometimes you just are so clear and sure and 'feel it' inside? That feeling is so real and deep - now I know THAT is where my true self resides.

Its so fascinating to stop and be aware of how we perceive, think and behave and when we can truly identify WHO is doing the perceiving, thinking and behaviour - we can then CHOOSE to be different. Better. Who we truly are.